Ultrasound and Alzheimer's
Author Information
Author(s): Raymond Scott B., Treat Lisa H., Dewey Jonathan D., McDannold Nathan J., Hynynen Kullervo, Bacskai Brian J.
Primary Institution: The Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology
Hypothesis
Can low-intensity focused ultrasound with microbubbles enhance the delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease mouse models?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that ultrasound can significantly enhance the delivery of both small molecules and antibodies to amyloid plaques in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Ultrasound treatment resulted in a 16.5-fold increase in Trypan blue fluorescence in treated brain regions.
- The technique was effective across different transgenic mouse strains.
- No significant tissue damage was observed in treated mice compared to untreated controls.
Takeaway
This study shows that using sound waves can help deliver medicine directly to the brain in mice with Alzheimer's, which could help in treating the disease.
Methodology
Transgenic mice were treated with focused ultrasound and microbubbles to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, allowing for the delivery of Trypan blue and anti-amyloid antibodies.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of fluorescence results due to background staining and variability in operator technique.
Limitations
The targeting accuracy of the benchtop system was less precise compared to MRI-guided methods, and the study was conducted in mouse models, which may not fully translate to humans.
Participant Demographics
Transgenic mice aged 9 to 26 months, including APPswe:PSEN1dE9 and PDAPP strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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